2009 TR3OC Beezumph Rally Report

Our Memorable Motorcycles expert, Frank Melling also is the organizer of the British vintage motorcycle extravaganza known as Thundersprint. Melling began riding five decades ago and remains as much in love with motorcycles as when he drove his first bike into a cow shed wall aged ten. In the last 50 years, Melling has competed in every form of motorcycle sport and now declares himself to be too old to grow up and be sensible.

The bike which began the whole thing. The P1 triple prototype.

With a beautifully judged mixture of efficiency and relaxed informality, this year’s Beezumph Rally at Cadwell Park rates as one of the top club events in the world. Organised by the Trident and Rocket 3 Owners Club (TR3OC.co.uk), who keep the flame alive for all BSA/Triumph three cylinder machines – hence the name Beezumph – the whole weekend was exemplified by smiling club members running a highly efficient event.

Most – but not all – of the Beezumph entrants headed for the twists and turns of the 2.173 mile Cadwell circuit – but not until everyone had been put through the ever tighter noise checks now prevalent at this track.

Sectioned triple reveals all.

Riders were organised into a range of very well judged groups from track beginners, having a gentle ride through the lovely Lincolnshire countryside, to the race class for quick riders and fast bikes. Every group got a lot of track time without any fuss or arm waving: the true signs of quality organisation.

Cadwell’s curves were filled with every Triple variant made – along with an eclectic range of American and European machines. Japanese bikes were not invited to the party!

Beezumph was knee deep in triple racers.

Away from the track you could bump into superstars from the Triples’ era ranging from Craig Vetter, who designed the iconic XR75 Hurricane, to Triumph chief tester and road racing superstar Percy Tait.

In the evening, the barbecue and band finished off a great weekend – and provided a fitting finale to what had been an outstanding event.